Fiesta De Cumpleaños

While we were at Chíllán, September 11, Richard suffered his actual birthday with Susan, Henry, Joni, Martin and Caco. So by the time we got back to Pucón, the shock of turning sixty had passed and he was ready to start celebrating the entry into his seventh decade. A subset of twenty-five local friends had been invited to the Hotel Antumalal for an evening of food and good cheer in the Araucaria paneled dining room of the hotel.

After watching the sunset over Lake Villarica by the roaring fire in the hotel lounge during cocktails and appetizers, Richard ushered his friends into the dining room for a welcoming toast. The bar was open for the evening and Chef Juan Columbo had prepared a huge serving of his signature seafood paella for the guests. Once everyone filled their plates and found a seat at the common table, the conversations flowed on a current of fine drinks and good food.

Chef Juan Columbo

Anthony Riggs

and Paulina Fredes

Claudio Gibian

Angela Gibian

Monica Leeds

Robert Leeds

Evelyn and

Dr. Joe Jarosinski

Sergio Ayala

and Paulina Pinto

Paulina Fredes and

Carolina Farfan Cortes

(somehow missed a

photo of David Owen)

Bobbee Rudd

Ben May

Dennis Vinere

and Cyndi Sidore

Deanna Sverdlov

and Cristian Levy

Henry with

Suzy Wortman

Javier and Cesar

Ayala

Heidi Hillis and Joni and Martin Plaehn look on while Richard thanks his friends, old and new.

Make a Big Wish!

Sergio Ayala and Paulina Pinto led a rousing rendition of "Cumpleaños Feliz."

Cumpleaños Feliz,
Te deseamos a ti,
Qué los cumplas en tu día,
Qué los complas feliz.

Susan and Richard looking at the many gifts which included books, wine, including a jereboam in a wooden box decorated with a map of Chile, tasty delicacies, kayak trips, framed photos and an beautiful alpaca poncho.

Finally, we retired to the bar for a nightcap or a fine brandy from the hotel's collection.

Ian Garcia

Macarena Ayala

Joni Plaehn

Sergio Ayala

Henry was ready for bed.